Sinusoidal wheel

ABSTRACT

A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 16/679,058, filed Nov. 8, 2019, which is a continuation-in-partand claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.16/181,920, filed Nov. 6, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,688,824, which is acontinuation-in-part application and claims the benefit of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/953,218, filed Nov. 27, 2015,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,118,439, which is a continuation-in-part and claimsthe benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/676,790,filed Nov. 14, 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference, to theextent that they are not conflicting with the present application.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to various equipment such as materialhandling equipment (e.g., forklifts or pallet jacks), and morespecifically to wheels used for such equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Material handling equipment is universal to the industrial industry, butthe equipment itself encounters different issues navigating thewarehouse floor because of the large amount of debris, uneven surfaces,and extreme temperatures. More specifically, as an example, the forklifttruck has been around for a century, and today it is found in everywarehouse operation around the world. Commercial and industrial goods ofall kinds are moved in bulk for economic efficiency. Forklift trucks andhand operated jacks, usually referred to as “manual jacks,” typicallyuse forks, that is, at least a pair of horizontally protruding blades ortines as load bearing elements. The forks are mechanized in order tolift loads clear of ground surfaces so that the loads may be moved fromplace to place. The forks may be engaged with a pallet that has avariety of goods stored on top. In this manner the goods may be lifted,moved, and then lowered or raised to a new location. This procedure isvery well known in the field of the invention.

“Forklift” is the common generic term used to refer to the various typesof materials handling equipment that uses a fork for moving loads. Forktype equipment may be informally classified as follows:

class 1—electric motor rider trucks;

class 2—electric motor narrow aisle trucks;

class 3—electric motor or hydraulic hand operated jacks; class4—internal combustion engine trucks—cushion tires;

class 5—internal combustion engine trucks—pneumatic tires;

class 6—electric and internal combustion engine tractors; and

class 7—rough terrain forklift trucks.

All of the foregoing classes of fork type equipment have in common isthat they are types of forklift jacks, or simply “forklifts” or“materials handling” equipment. Jacking mechanisms typically aremotorized or hydraulically operated. A forklift may be a poweredindustrial truck; that is, a forklift truck, used to lift and movematerials horizontally and vertically. A forklift may also be a manualjack; typically, a hydraulic lifter, which may be operated, propelled,and steered manually. Both the forklift truck and manual jack aredesigned for handling heavy loads which may or may not be palletized andfor moving such loads over relatively short distances. Of course, thereare exceptions and hybrid types of forklifts. Collectively these will betermed “forklifts” or “materials handling equipment” herein throughout.

The fork element of such materials handling equipment has load bearingwheels which may be retracted into its blades so that the blades may bedropped to a floor surface. The wheels may be extended into contact withthe floor surface as the blades are lifted. Therefore, the extendedwheels are relied upon to help support loads placed on the fork as aload is moved and maneuvered. Because the blades must be able to fitinto a pallet with clearance, they must be relatively thin and flat,dimensions that necessitate associated blade wheels have a relativelysmall diameter in order to fit inside the blades. This has severaldrawbacks, including the fact that small diameter wheels have difficultyin traversing rough or cracked floor surfaces and doorway thresholds,and having small circumferences such wheels tend to wear out quickly.The material handling equipment also has a drive or steering wheel,which similarly travels over the uneven and rough surfaces of thewarehouse. The material handling equipment, such as a forklift, uses thedrive wheel to navigate the warehouse grounds and leads the equipment inthe desired direction. However, the drive wheel is also susceptible tothe uneven and cracked ground which may make the material handlingequipment veer off the desired path of transporting the materials.

The blade wheels support much of the weight of a load during forkliftoperations. Blade wheels may be axially elongated so as to reduceinstantaneous stress on floor surfaces. Typical blade wheels have alimited life as they wear, crack, spall, and develop flats meaning theymust be replaced frequently. Therefore, there is a need for materialshandling equipment load and drive wheels that will minimize damage tofloor surfaces, have a longer operating life than wheels in current use,and are able to more easily traverse uneven floor surfaces andthresholds.

Blade wheels operate in many different types of conditions depending onthe warehouse or environment they are used in. A common problem forblade wheels is excessive heat from overuse and the ambient temperatureof the warehouse causing wheel failure due to this heat. Blade wheelsalso lack longevity because they have one defined center point thattotals 360 degrees around the wheel, which means the circumference iscontinuously wearing away. The lack of longevity is also caused byscrubbing when the blade wheels change direction. The one defined centerpoint that totals 360 degrees also lacks in its ability to absorb shock,making the material handling equipment less stable when moving fragileobjects.

Typically, small objects (i.e., small nuts, bolts, woodchips and commonwarehouse floor obstacles) embed into the blade wheels, which also leadsto wheel failures. The small objects are rolled over by or embedded inthe wheels causing the floor obstacles to hinder the performance of atraditional wheel. Another issue is caused by the typical wheel beingone elongated wheel causing this wheel to ‘scrub’ when changingdirections. This is due to the interior portion of the wheel needing totravel a lesser distance than the exterior portion of the wheel.However, since the wheel is one unit the interior portion of the wheelscrubs, or drags, causing for more wear on the wheels. The singularelongated wheel produces a scrub radius that will cause the wheels tounevenly wear over time.

Therefore, there is a need to solve the problems described above byproving a wheel with a longer life over the current material handlingwheel along with a wheel with better maneuverability.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented inthis section could be or could have been pursued; they are notnecessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued.Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that anyof the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merelyby virtue of their presence in this section of the application.

BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summaryis not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

In an aspect, a sinusoidal wheel that dissipates heat because the shapeof the wheel's channels allows the heat created by load and friction toescape more efficiently by providing air flow through the sinusoidalchannels. The modular nature of the wheel allows each wheel to rollindependently of each other, which also allows for less friction meaningless temperature increases. In scientific 3^(rd) party drum testing andreal-world testing on material handling equipment with these sinusoidalwheels, the heat is dissipated through the shape of the wheel betterthan traditional wheels used in these scenarios. Thus, an advantage isminimum failing of the wheel due to heat.

In another aspect, a sinusoidal wheel that physically pushes small nuts,bolts, woodchips and common warehouse floor obstacles left and right outof the way. University testing on the sinusoidal wheel shows betteroff-road ability due to the ‘approach angle’ of the wheel alwaysstriking objects at an angle instead of steamrolling over the objects.The sinusoidal channels also utilize the unique approach angle to strikeobjects at an angle, which thereby also reduces shock. The sinusoidalchannel of the wheel allows less of a contact patch where objects caninteract with the wheel. Thus, an advantage is minimum failing of thewheel due to small debris and surface obstacles. Another advantage isthe sinusoidal channel of the wheel allowing for less of a contact patchwhere objects may interact with the wheel.

In another aspect, a sinusoidal wheel that has a circular cross sectionwith a sinusoidal wave alternating side to side across the exterior ofthe circular cross section, the sinusoidal wave defining a sinusoidalperipheral surface. The sinusoidal peripheral surface of the sinusoidalwheel is greater than the peripheral surface around a traditional wheel.The sinusoidal peripheral surface is at a constant radial distance fromits axis of rotation, meaning the center point of the sinusoidal wheeloscillates with respect to the sinusoidal peripheral surface.Traditional wheels have one defined center point that totals 360 degreesaround the wheel, which leads to unbalanced wear and tear because thetraditional wheel will usually favor a side to wear down. Theoscillating center point makes the wear and tear more balanced andtherefore more evenly distributed over the sinusoidal peripheralsurface. Thus, an advantage of the sinusoidal wheel is its longevity dueto the oscillating center point allowing for more evenly distributedwear and tear.

In another aspect, the modular nature of the sinusoidal wheel allowseach wheel to roll independently of each other, so the wheels do not‘scrub’ when changing directions. Thus, an advantage of the sinusoidalwheel is the longevity when wear is a concern. The presently describedand illustrated sinusoidal wheel has been shown through extensivetesting to have significant advantages over forklift and materialshandling equipment load and drive wheels in current use.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspectsor examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuingdescription and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects,embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figuresof the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of a forklift with an integralblade wheel assembly retracted, according to an aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of a forklift with an integralblade wheel assembly in a raised attitude, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3 illustrates the perspective view of an integral blade wheelassembly, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4 illustrates the perspective view of three integral wheelassemblies, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a tandem integral wheel assembly,according to an aspect.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the tandem integral wheelassembly in a manual jack mounting device, according to an aspect.

FIG. 7a —FIG. 7c illustrate side perspective and plan views of theintegral blade wheel assembly, according to an aspect.

FIG. 8-FIG. 10 illustrate plan side views of two-set wheel assemblies,according to an aspect.

FIG. 11-FIG. 12 illustrate plan side views of three-set wheelassemblies, according to an aspect.

FIG. 13 illustrates the top plan view of a three-set wheel assemblyturning, according to an aspect.

FIG. 14a -FIG. 14d illustrate cross section views of the sinusoidalchannels, according to an aspect.

FIG. 15 illustrates a plan side view of the sinusoidal wheel, accordingto an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/orexamples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be madeto the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawingsis part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/orexamples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes,and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structuraland/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skillsin the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore,the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims andtheir equivalents.

It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of thespecification, some or all details about some structural components orsteps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they arenot necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinaryskills in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of a forklift with an integralblade wheel assembly 32 retracted, according to an aspect. In thisdescription, materials handling by various equipment devices such asmanual jack, forklifts, or pallet jacks are referred to as an example ofequipment in which the disclosed wheels and wheel sets may be used. Anexemplary forklift, or manual jack 10 is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,which is used as only an example to illustrate the features andoperations of a forklift and materials handling equipment in general andit should be recognized that such features and operations are common tomost forklifts and materials handling equipment. It should be realizedthat the forklift and materials handling equipment, including the manualjack 10, may be used to move loads stored on a pallet or, alternatively,in the absence of a pallet. The manual jack 10 has a proximal end 6 anda distal end 8. The manual jack 10, as shown, is well-known in the art.A forklift truck (not shown), is also very well known in the art andboth the manual jack 10 and a forklift truck may be referred to as “loadmovers” and “materials handling equipment” as they represent a class ofconveyance machines that are related in their construction, operation,and duty. In this description, the illustrated apparatus is referred toas the manual jack 10. However, the following description applies toboth the manual jack type as well as the forklift truck type and otherrelated conveyance and materials handling equipment.

The manual jack 10 may be manually moved and steered in its operation.FIG. 1 shows that manual jack 10 may have a lifting apparatus 14, suchas a hydraulic cylinder, and linkages positioned at proximal end 6. Thelifting apparatus 14 may be mechanically engaged with fork 18 which mayhave two elongated and spaced-apart blades 20 extending between theproximal end 6 and a distal end 8. As shown, integral blade wheelassembly 32 may be engaged with each blade 20, wherein each integralblade wheel assembly 32 may have multiple individual sinusoidalprotrusions 5 (more clearly shown in FIG. 7a ) attached to a commonaxial core 4 and may be axially aligned on a rotational axis A1, asshown in FIG. 3 and as it will be described in reference to FIG. 3. Eachof the individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may have a sinusoidallyshaped peripheral surface 3 as best seen in FIG. 4.

The integral blade wheel assembly 32 may be placed towards the distalend 8, which means the integral blade wheel assembly 32 are load bearingwheels. Due to the wheels being load bearing, the maneuverability ofsaid wheels is more important. Without the maneuverability thesinusoidal wheel provides the current palette wheel would be inefficientat its job to move heavy items around, as will be described in FIG. 8.The integral blade wheel assembly 32 and the sinusoidal wheel may alsobe used as the driver or steering wheel 16. The integral blade wheelassembly 32 and the sinusoidal wheel would have the same benefits asdisclosed herein also when used as the steering or drive wheel of thevarious materials handling equipment devices. For example, when actingas a driving wheel 16, the sinusoidal wheel 32 would maneuver betterover uneven terrain and resist failures due to heat.

FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of a forklift 10 with anintegral blade wheel assembly 32 in a raised attitude, according to anaspect. The integral blade wheel assembly 32 may be linked with thelifting apparatus 14 by a linkage 38 such when fork 18 is loweredintegral blade wheel assembly 32 are retracted, as shown in FIG. 1, andwhen the fork 18 is raised, the integral blade wheel assembly 32 areextended, as shown in FIG. 2, which well known in the field.

As shown in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a lifting apparatus 14 based upon ahydraulic cylinder is mounted on board the forklift 10. A pivotal handle12 may be used to generate hydraulic pressure by pivoting it in avertical motion. The pivotal handle 12 may also be used to push or pulland to steer the forklift 10 in a rolling action across a factory flooror other industrial surface. Below the handle 12 are typically twosteering wheels 16 that may be rotated from one side to the other by thehandle 12 for steering. The steering wheels 16 support the weight of thelifting apparatus 14, handle 12, a portion of the load on blades 20, anda pallet and its load (not illustrated).

The integral blade wheel assembly 32 may have a circular exteriorsurface 84, which will be discussed in reference to FIG. 7c , and eachintegral blade wheel assembly 32 may have one or more integralindividual sinusoidal protrusion 5. The individual sinusoidalprotrusions 5 may be aligned in a linear order and associated with acommon central core 4 which is aligned about axis A1, as shown in FIG. 3and as it will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The individualsinusoidal protrusions 5 may also be integral to the common central core4 to create the integral blade wheel assembly 32, which would be asingle integral unit. Each individual sinusoidal protrusion 5 may have aperipheral surface 3 that has a circular profile but wavers from side toside sinusoidally as the integral blade wheel assembly 32 rotates. Thesinusoidal wheel has a circular cross section with a sinusoidal wavealternating side to side across the circular cross section, thesinusoidal wave defining the sinusoidal peripheral surface 3. Thisindividual sinusoidal protrusion 5 construction is clearly shown in FIG.4 and as it will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The sinusoidallyvarying peripheral surface 3 may be the surface of the wheel which comesinto contact with the ground when the wheel is mounted.

FIG. 3 illustrates the perspective view of an integral blade wheelassembly 32, according to an aspect. Between the sinusoidal peripheralsurfaces 3 are the sinusoidal channels 43 which are more clearly shownin FIG. 4 and which will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Theintegral blade wheel assembly 32 may be monolithic, meaning it may beintegrally formed as one unit and used as such. The entire integralblade wheel assembly 32, from the left end 96 to the right end 97, maybe formed by a single mold, with or without the common axial core 4. Amaterial may be poured into the single mold for the integral blade wheelassembly 32, and then after curing the formed integral blade wheelassembly 32 may be removed from the single mold in its monolithic form.In an example, the multiple individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may beintegral to a common axial core 4 and may be axially aligned on arotational axis A1.

In another example, the individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may bemounted to the common axial core 4. The common core, or common axialcore 4 may run the length of the integral blade wheel assembly 32allowing for the wheel assembly to be applied to multiple systems. Therotational axis A1, which is the centerline of the common axial core 4,may allow for the integral blade wheel assembly 32 to be easily appliedto existing manual jack 10 axles. The rotational axis A1 may also allowfor the scrub radius to be the necessary distance to reduce wear on thewheels.

The individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may be on a circular exteriorsurface 84, which will be discussed in reference to FIG. 7c . Theindividual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may also utilize a unique approachangle to strike objects at an angle, thereby reducing shock. Theintegral blade wheel assembly 32 does not approach obstacles at aninety-degree angle like other wheels. The integral blade wheel assembly32 approaches obstacles from an angle, which may allow for less shockwhen traveling over the uneven surfaces. For example, the integral bladewheel assembly 32 may approach the obstacle at a thirty-degree angle.

In an example, the integral blade wheel assembly 32 may be molded of ahard polyurethane. The hard polyurethane may more specifically be a typethat may not scuff or leave a mark on most surfaces. The integral bladewheel assembly 32 with the sinusoidal individual sinusoidal protrusions5 may be long wearing and may not break down due to heavy loading asconventional pallet wheels typically do. This may be due to theindividual sinusoidal protrusions 5 tending to strain in the axialdirection and being of a material that may not show cyclic strainhysteresis. The sinusoidal shape of the individual sinusoidalprotrusions 5 may have the advantage of gripping a surface with acoefficient of friction nearly equal to that of a conventionalindividual sinusoidal protrusion having a width dimension equal to thepeak-to-peak dimension of individual sinusoidal protrusion 5. Anotheradvantage of the individual sinusoidal protrusion 5 may be anapproximate 30% weight reduction, which may provide savings in materialcost. An important advantage of sinusoidal wheel 32 is that when anobject such as a piece of gravel or a small stone is encountered by thewheel 32 it tends to be pushed or rolled into a space between adjacentindividual sinusoidal protrusions 5 and therefore has less of an effecton individual sinusoidal protrusion surface damage.

In another example, a tire with the sinusoidal channels 43 andprotrusions 5 attached to a rim or hub may be used. This may allow forthe integral blade wheel assembly 32 to be easily manufactured andapplied to many material handling equipment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the perspective view of three integral wheelassemblies 32, according to an aspect. FIG. 4 further shows thesinusoidal peripheral surfaces 3 of each individual sinusoidalprotrusion 5. The sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 has an exteriorcurvature that forms to the exterior of the individual sinusoidalprotrusions 5. The sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 may be adjacent tothe sinusoidal channel 43 and the peripheral surface 3 may have asinusoidal edge 85 facing the sinusoidal channel 43.

Individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 may be coupled together as aplurality of individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 on the common axialcore 4 to create the integral wheel assembly 32. As shown, theindividual sinusoidal protrusions 5 disposed adjacent to one anothercreate grooves in the space between each two adjacent protrusions. Thesegrooves, which include protrusion sides 83, are sinusoidal channels 43.The sinusoidal channel 43 may allow for small objects (i.e., small nuts,bolts, woodchips and common warehouse floor obstacles) to be pushed theleft and right out of the way of the palette jack's path. The sinusoidalchannel 43 would also allow for heat to dissipate because of the airflow through the sinusoidal channels 43. The sinusoidal channels 43would then allow for less wear because of the heat dissipation and theconstant air flow. The approach of the wheel may never be aninety-degree angle because of the sinusoidal channels 43. Thesinusoidal channel 43 may be narrower at the bottom of the channel andwider at the top of the channel, which may allow for the correspondingsinusoidal protrusion 5 to have a wider base to help with bearing theloads of the material handling equipment. The integral blade wheelassembly 32 may be broken into two or more wheel set assemblies to allowfor the benefits of such as it will be described in FIG. 8-FIG. 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a tandem integral wheel assembly,according to an aspect. As shown in FIG. 5, a possible mountingarrangement of the integral blade wheel assembly 32 may be used, whereintandem integral blade wheel assembly 32 are mounted on a pivotal carrier33 which, in turn, is pivotally mounted on a rotating arm 34 whichallows the tandem integral blade wheel assembly 32 to move between theretracted position and the extended position. The advantage of the useof tandem wheels may be that a load is distributed to four integralblade wheel assembly 32 rather than only two, so that the applied stresson the integral blade wheel assembly 32 is reduced. As described herein,the blade wheel 32 is load bearing, which having the tantum assembly mayreduce the load on any one given wheel.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the tandem integral wheelassembly in a manual jack mounting device, according to an aspect. Asshown in FIG. 6, the duel blade-wheels 32 may be mounted rotationally intandem and may be attached to bogle plates 33. In another example, thebogle plates 33 are rotationally mounted on the swing arm 34. Theadvantage of the use of tandem wheels may be that a load is distributedto four integral blade wheel assembly 32 rather than only two, so thatthe applied stress on the integral blade wheel assembly 32 is reduced.

FIG. 7a -FIG. 7c illustrate side perspective and plan views of theintegral blade wheel assembly 32, according to an aspect. FIG. 7a isside perspective view of the integral blade wheel assembly 32. As shown,the integral blade wheel assembly 32 has individual sinusoidalprotrusions 5, sinusoidal peripheral surfaces 3, and a sinusoidalchannel 43. Each sinusoidal channel 43 has a sine wave with peaks 82 aand valleys 82 c, with one peak 82 a and one valley 82 c being acomplete period of the sine wave. Also, as shown in FIG. 7a thesinusoidal channels 43 are in parallel, with each peak 82 a and 82 b andeach valley 82 c and 82 d of the sinusoidal channel 43 being inalignment with the adjacent sinusoidal channel peak and sinusoidalchannel valley. For example, the peak 82 a is in parallel and alignedwith the peak 82 b and each valley 82 c and 82 d are in parallel. Whilein the drawings the sinusoidal channels are showed to be aligned witheach peak in parallel with each other, the sinusoidal channels may havealternating sinusoidal channels with each peak of each sinusoidalchannel being in opposition with the adjacent sinusoidal channel.

The sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 would have a peripheral surfacegreater than a peripheral surface of a traditional wheel. The sinusoidalpattern of the sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 allows for the largerperipheral surface without increasing the diameter of the wheel becausethere is a distance longer than the circumference of the circularexterior surface. Having a greater peripheral surface means the wheelwill not wear out as quickly as a traditional wheel.

The sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 is at a constant radial distancefrom the axis of rotation A1. This means the actual center point of thesinusoidal wheel oscillates with respect to the sinusoidal peripheralsurface 3, along the axis of rotation A1. In a traditional wheel, thewheel will have a single center point which leads to unbalanced wear dueto the traditional wheel favoring one side or the other during use. Thiscauses the traditional wheel to wear down unevenly making the wheelunusable, which would require frequent replacing of the wheel. Theoscillating center point of the sinusoidal wheel makes the wear and tearmore balanced because the wear and tear is more evenly distributed overthe sinusoidal peripheral surface 3. Thus, the oscillating center pointallows the sinusoidal wheel to last longer.

In an example, the sinusoidal peripheral surface 3 may have 540 degreesof peripheral surface 3 that is defined from its oscillating centerpoint. Exceeding the 360 degrees of peripheral surface of a traditionalwheel is done by using the sinusoidal peripheral surface 3, in which acomplete sine wave period (one peak 82 a and one valley 82 c) is 360degrees and every additional peak or valley corresponds to 180 degrees.For example, having a sine wave with two peaks and one valley wouldequal 540 degrees of a peripheral surface 3. In another example, thesinusoidal peripheral surface 3 may have more or less than 540 degreesaround the oscillating center point depending on for example how manyhalf periods (peak or valley) are included in the sinusoidal peripheralsurface 3.

Also shown in FIG. 7a is that each sinusoidal channel 43 is spaced at anequal distance apart. This may be a preferred configuration; however,the sinusoidal channels may be spaced in different distanceconfigurations. More specifically, other geometric sequences may be usedfor the spacing of the sinusoidal channels 43.

The sinusoidal channels 43 allow small objects (i.e. woodchips, nails,nuts, bolts, etc.) to be either pushed left and right, out of the way,or funneled through the groove and exit out the back of the wheel. Thesinusoidal channels 43 also allow heat dissipation because thesinusoidal channels 43 are conducive for air flow, which may allow thewheel set assembly to cooler and this may produce less wear and tear onthe wheel set assembly. The sinusoidal peripheral surfaces 3 may allowfor a unique approach angle to strike objects at an angle, therebyreducing shock.

As shown in FIG. 7a , the sinusoidal protrusions 5 are not perpendicularto the sinusoidal peripheral surface 3. The protrusion sides 83 angleoutward when near the base of the protrusion to provide more material,which may help with bearing the load. The curvature of the protrusionsides 83 provides a larger base for the sinusoidal protrusions 5, whichbears the load of the material handling equipment. The larger base mayallow for the sinusoidal protrusions 5 to handle a large load whilestill claiming the benefits of the sinusoidal channel 43 as mentioned.

It should be noted that there is a particular configuration of thesinusoidal protrusion 5 such that the protrusions are narrower at thetop, being the circular exterior surface, and wider at the sinusoidalbottom 86, being the inner most part of the sinusoidal channel 43, andvice versa the sinusoidal channels 43 are narrower at the sinusoidalbottom 86 and wider at the top. This configuration is important for thestructural integrity of the wheel, so it is capable of withstanding moreload than when the protrusion is perpendicular to the ground. This alsoallows for the functionality mentioned herein. In an example, thesinusoidal channel 43 may be v-shaped like with the corresponding andadjacent the sinusoidal protrusion 5 having a trapezoidal like shape.The sinusoidal protrusion 5 shape having a wider bottom with a narrowertop allows for an increased sturdiness of the sinusoidal protrusions 5as shown in FIG. 14a -FIG. 14d , and as it will be described whenreferring to FIG. 14a -FIG. 14d . This allows for larger loadcapabilities along with more durability of the individual sinusoidalprotrusion 5.

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the integral blade wheel assembly 32and shows the common central core, or axial core 4. The axial core 4 mayallow the integral blade wheel assembly 32 to be applied to any manualjack 10. FIG. 7c is a side view of the integral blade wheel assembly 32and also shows the axial core 4. Both FIG. 7b and FIG. 7c show theintegral blade wheel wall 71 which may be a flat surface to avoidfriction and interference from the manual jack while in motion. Thesinusoidal wheel 32 may have individual sinusoidal protrusions 5 andcorresponding sinusoidal channel 43.

Shown in FIG. 7c is a circular exterior surface 84. The circularexterior surface 84 may be the portion of the wheel that may come intocontact with the ground and the loose debris found in industrialsettings. In an example, the circular exterior surface 84 would becomprised of both the sinusoidal peripheral surface(s) 3 and thesinusoidal channel(s) 43 in a way such that to make the circularexterior surface 84 a single continuous exterior wheel surface. Theouter most of the parts of the exterior surface 84, namely theperipheral surfaces 3, would have a collective circular profile shape toallow the wheel to roll properly as a wheel is intended to. The circularexterior surface 84 would be the sinusoidal peripheral surfaces 3 alongwith the sinusoidal channels 43, while only the sinusoidal peripheralsurfaces 3 are what come in contact with the ground when the integralblade wheel assembly 32 is rolling. The shape of the wheel may becircular to ensure the wheel rolls properly. The sinusoidal channels 43may allow for the debris to not interfere with the rolling of the wheel,while the circular exterior surface 84 ensures the sinusoidal wheelrolls smoothly over the ground or a flat surface like a typical wheeldoes.

FIG. 8-FIG. 10 illustrate plan side views of two-set wheel assemblies35, according to an aspect. The integral blade wheel assembly 32 may bebroken into multiple sinusoidal channeled wheels 75, which may havemultiple sinusoidal protrusions 5 with corresponding sinusoidal channels43. The integral blade wheel assembly 32 may be broken into a two-setwheel assembly 35 comprised of two sinusoidal channeled wheels 75. Eachwheel assembly set may have an individual sinusoidal protrusion 5 andcorresponding sinusoidal channel 43. Shown in FIG. 8 is a two-set wheelassembly 35 with a single sinusoidal channeled wheel 37 andquad-sinusoidal channeled wheel 39. As shown in FIG. 8, the singlesinusoidal channeled wheel may have a sinusoidal bottom 86 and asinusoidal surface edge or sinusoidal edge 87. The sinusoidal bottom 86and the sinusoidal surface edge are the components to the sinusoidalchannel 43. In an example, the sinusoidal edges 87 may be in line withthe sinusoidal peripheral surface 3, which may be the surface that is incontact with the ground. The sinusoidal bottom 86 of the sinusoidalchannel 43 may be the base for the shape of the sinusoidal channelallowing for the protrusion sides 83 to be the desired curvature whenconnecting to the sinusoidal edges 87.

FIG. 9 is a two-set wheel assembly 35 with a double sinusoidal channeledwheel 41 and tri-sinusoidal channeled wheel 38. FIG. 10 is a two-setwheel assembly 35 with a single sinusoidal channeled wheel 37 and fivesinusoidal channeled wheel 40. The wheel distance shown in FIG. 8-FIG.10 may not be the actual distance, but a preferred way to mount thewheel set may be close as possible without interference from theadjacent wheels. The wheel sets allow each of the channeled wheels 75 tospin independently at different rates when needed.

The wheel sets may move independently of each other, which may lower thefriction coefficient and give greater maneuverability to the wheel. Thereduction in scrubbing due to the modular wheel set when turning equatesto less wear because the wheel may rotate independently.

FIG. 11-FIG. 12 illustrate plan side views of three-set wheelassemblies, according to an aspect. The integral blade wheel assembly 32may be broken into a three-set wheel assembly 36 comprised of threesinusoidal channeled wheels 75. Shown in FIG. 11 is a three-set wheelassembly 36 with single sinusoidal channeled wheels 37. FIG. 12 is athree-set wheel assembly 36 with two single sinusoidal channeled wheels37 and a double sinusoidal channeled wheel 41. Again, the three-setwheel assembly 36 would have the advantages of rolling independently andproviding more maneuverability. The three-set wheel assembly 36 may alsohave a flat wheel wall as shown. The wheel wall 71 may allow for lessfriction between the wheel set assemblies, which would thus providelongevity to the wheels because they would not wear down as much due tothe friction between each set. The wheel walls 71 may be flatlongitudinal ends, which may allow for a decrease in friction when thewheels are rotating independently. The distance shown in FIG. 11-FIG. 12may not be the actual distance, but a preferred way to mount the wheelset is close as possible without interference from the adjacent wheels.The wheel sets allow each of the channeled wheels to spin independentlyat different rates when needed.

While each set is shown to have a flat end surface as a wheel wall 71,which may be preferred to avoid added friction, the wheel sets may havesinusoidal end surfaces as when the integral blade wheel assembly may becut along the sinusoidal edge 87, as shown in FIG. 15, and as it will bedescribed when referring to FIG. 15. In an example, the wheel wall 71may have the sinusoidal shape as long as the wheel sets are separatedenough for each wheel to roll independently. Each wheel may moveindependently of each other, lowering the friction coefficient andgiving greater maneuverability to the wheel set. A reduction inscrubbing of the wheels when turning may allow for less wear of thesinusoidal peripheral surface 3. The wheels may otherwise be closetogether, but not touch because it may impede the independent rotationof each wheel.

The wheel set assemblies comprised of multiple sinusoidal channeledwheels 75 may have the same benefits of the integral blade wheelassembly described herein. The modular aspect of the wheel setassemblies shown in FIG. 8-FIG. 12 may allow for more maneuverabilitywhen turning due to the channeled wheels 75 being able to spinindependently of one another. FIG. 13 illustrates the top plan view ofthree-set wheel assembly 36 turning, according to an aspect. The dividedwheel set may allow for each wheel set assembly to maneuver more easilybecause each wheel set can roll independently from the others. Inposition one 55 the three-set wheel assembly 36 may be stationary ormoving in a straight path. In position two 56, three-set wheel assembly36 has begun turning. The integral blade wheel assembly may be dividedinto wheel sets, which may allow for a reduction in drag and slidingwhen trying to maneuver the manual jack. The dividing into wheel setsmay allow for the wheel set assembly to spin independently at differentrates when needed, such as when turning. The independent spinning mayallow for the outer channeled 61 wheel to have more rotations than theinterior channeled wheel 62, which may prevent dragging and wear on thewheel set. The dividing of the integral wheel may also allow for tighterturns and more maneuverability because of the independent wheelrotations described herein.

As shown, the interior wheel 62 with respect to the turning directionwould have less rotations than the exterior wheel 61 with respect to theturning direction. This may be due to while the wheel set assembly 36 isin the process of turning the interior wheel 62 travels a lesserdistance 64 than the exterior wheel 61 travel distance 63 when they areseparated channeled wheels. The separated channeled wheels or wheel setassembly 36 allows for the wheels to rotate independently, which mayallow for less dragging and sliding that usually occurs when using theintegral wheel assembly on the manual jack. For example, the mostexterior wheel 61 would move independently to allow for bettermaneuverability because the exterior wheel 61 would rotate more due tothe longer distance it may travel when turning.

FIG. 14a -FIG. 14d illustrate cross section views of the sinusoidalchannels 43, according to an aspect. FIG. 14a -FIG. 14d show thepossible cross sections of the sinusoidal channels 43. FIG. 14a showsthe sinusoidal channel 43 with a v-like shaped cross section 90. FIG.14b shows the sinusoidal channel 43 with a circular-like shaped crosssection 91. FIG. 14c shows the sinusoidal channel 43 with a modifiedv-like shaped cross section 92. FIG. 14d shows the sinusoidal channel 43with a u-like shaped cross section 93. The v-like 90, u-like 93, andmodified v-like 92 shaped cross sections may provide more support forthe sinusoidal protrusion 5, while the circular-like 91 shaped crosssection may provide better air flow and may move debris better becauseof the larger and concaved channel.

For example, the v-like 90, u-like 93, and modified v-like 92 shapedcross sections may be molded from a hard polyurethane meaning thesinusoidal protrusion 5 would need a wider base to have more structuralsupport. The v-like 90, u-like 93, and modified v-like 92 shaped crosssections also may be easier to manufacture when molding because of theshape of the protrusion being easily removed from their molds. Thecircular-like 91 shaped cross section may be machined or carved from aharder material (i.e., metal) meaning the wider protrusion base may notbe needed. For example, the sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may be a solidmetal material with the sinusoidal channels 43 carved into the materialto produce the various shaped channels mentioned herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a plan side view of the sinusoidal channeled wheel75, according to an aspect. The sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may haveflat ends or sinusoidal ends as described herein. The sinusoidalchanneled wheels 75 may also have an angled or chamfered end 95. Theends of the sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may depend on the spacingbetween wheels, the heat dissipation each configuration provides, andthe friction of the adjacent wheels within a set.

The chamfered end 95 on the sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may be made bycutting along the partial segment of a sinusoidal channel 43. Thechamfered end 95 on the sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may also be madeby trimming the flat ends to have a chamfered angle, as shown in FIG.15. The chamfered ends 95 on the sinusoidal channeled wheel 75 may allowfor more heat dissipation because the ends have a similar shape to achannel. More specifically, when two sinusoidal channeled wheels 75 withchamfered ends 95 are in a set the adjacent wheel ends would provide achannel like shape which may hold the same benefits as described herein.The chamfered end 95 may reduce friction between wheels within the wheelset and it may also reduce the wheel weight without interfering with thestructural integrity of the wheel.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and itsderivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two ormore elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contactwith one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. Thephrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well asderivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with,couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave,juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a propertyof, or the like.

Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A“set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in thewritten description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,”“carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to beunderstood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitionalphrases with respect to claims.

If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,”etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connoteany priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another orthe temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These termsare used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having acertain name from another element having a same name (but for use of theordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in thisapplication, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, butthe alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on theapparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of theexamples may involve specific combinations of method acts or systemelements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements maybe combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.

Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with oneaspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from asimilar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.

Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described asprocesses, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram,a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depictthe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should beunderstood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the stepsas shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the describedmethods.

If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the meansare not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in thisapplication for performing the recited function, but are intended tocover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, forperforming the recited function.

Claim limitations should be construed as means-plus-function limitationsonly if the claim recites the term “means” in association with a recitedfunction.

If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process shouldnot be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written,and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences maybe varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated anddescribed herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easilydetect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may becapable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted forthe aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and describedherein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore,the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternateaspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the inventionis defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further,each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into thespecification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wheel set assembly for a materials handlingequipment comprising a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels, each ofthe plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels having a channel disposedon a circular exterior surface and defined by a plurality of radiallyextending protrusion sides facing each other as each protrusion side inits entirety extends circumferentially in a sinusoidal pattern thereinforming the channel, the channel having a peak and a valley adapted toform a sinusoidal shape, a bottom having a first width and a top havinga second width, wherein a channel width varies within a space betweenthe first width and the second width, and a peripheral surface adjacentto the channel forming a sinusoidal edge, wherein the peripheral surfaceis an outer most ground engaging circumference of the wheel formed fromthe axial distance from one protrusion side to the other, and each ofthe plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels are adapted to be alignedcoaxially and immediately next to one another without interference fromadjacent wheels wherein the peripheral surface is at a constant radialdistance from an axis of rotation such that the center point of thewheel oscillates with respect to the peripheral surface along the axisof rotation of the wheel due to said sinusoidal pattern.
 2. The wheelset assembly of claim 1, wherein the second width is larger than thefirst width.
 3. The wheel set assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondwidth is equal to the first width.
 4. The wheel set assembly of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels have anaxial core, the axial core extending over the length of each of theplurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels.
 5. The wheel set assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the channel is integral to each of the plurality ofsinusoidal channeled wheels.
 6. The wheel set assembly of claim 1,wherein the channel is disposed in parallel to a second channel.
 7. Thewheel set assembly of claim 1, wherein the wheel set assembly is adaptedfor mounting in a forklift.
 8. A monolithic load bearing wheel for amaterials handling equipment comprising: a sinusoidal channel defined bya sinusoidal bottom and two top sinusoidal edges, wherein the two topsinusoidal edges are parallel to each other and is disposed on acircular exterior surface along a central axial core; and a peripheralsurface adjacent to each top sinusoidal edge, wherein the peripheralsurface is an outer most circumference of the wheel wherein theperipheral surface is at a constant radial distance from an axis ofrotation such that the center point of the wheel oscillates with respectto the peripheral surface along the axis of rotation of the wheel due tothe shape of the peripheral surface as formed by said sinusoidalchannel.
 9. The wheel of claim 8, the wheel is adapted for mounting in aforklift.
 10. The wheel of claim 8, wherein the sinusoidal channel isdisposed in parallel to a second sinusoidal channel.
 11. The wheel ofclaim 8, wherein the sinusoidal channel is integral to the wheel.
 12. Amonolithic wheel for a materials handling equipment comprising: aplurality of sinusoidal channels, each of the plurality of sinusoidalchannels having a peak and a valley adapted to form a sinusoidal shape,a bottom having a first width and a top having a second width, and aredisposed on a circular exterior surface along a central axial core; anda peripheral surface adjacent to each of the plurality of sinusoidalchannels to form a sinusoidal edge, wherein the peripheral surface is anouter most circumference of the wheel wherein the peripheral surface isat a constant radial distance from an axis of rotation such that thecenter point of the wheel oscillates with respect to the peripheralsurface along the axis of rotation of the wheel due to the shape of theperipheral surface as formed by said sinusoidal channels.
 13. The wheelof claim 12, wherein the central axial core extends over the length ofthe wheel longitudinally.
 14. The wheel of claim 12, wherein the secondwidth is larger than the first width.
 15. The wheel of claim 12, whereinthe wheel is adapted for mounting in a forklift.
 16. The wheel of claim12, wherein each of the plurality of sinusoidal channels are spaced anequal distance apart.
 17. The wheel of claim 12, wherein the wheel has achamfered end.